Select Local Merchants

Martial arts at Dracut's Dracut Martial Arts is a great workout that will leave you feeling Zen.
Next time you're in the neighborhood, this studio should be at the top of your list with their amazing restaurant.
The perfect place to take the kids, this studio won't cost you a sitter.
The motivating and skilled kickboxing instructors are here to push your body to its limits.
Learn how to connect your mind and body through self-defense and fighting movements in this MMA class.
Dracut Martial Arts is just steps away from a parking lot.

Make time for a quality cultural experience this weekend with a trip to Merrimack Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Dracut.
At Merrimack Valley Seventh-Day Adventist Church, you can park quickly and safely in a lot next door.

The certified yoga instructors at Discover the Wonders Yoga invite students of all levels to explore and increase their strength and flexibility in a variety of classes. Hatha classes focus on postures and breathing, and flow classes string poses together with movements and breath. The studio offers morning and evening classes, along with private sessions and reiki healing and seminars.

Martial arts at Dracut's Karate For Kids is a great workout that will leave you feeling Zen.
With this MMA class, you can learn all the techniques, moves and strategies that you need to know to become an expert at MMA.
Kickboxing offers a full-body workout as well as a useful self-defense skill.
Parking is plentiful, so patrons can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Groupon Guide

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods out there—and one of the most debated. Luckily, Boston is on somewhat neutral ground. Although the city has no signature pizza style of its own, it’s not hard to find Chicago-style deep dish and New York–style thin crust, as well as brick-oven, classic Italian, and innovative gourmet pies scattered across town. Here are a few of the restaurants that define Boston’s pizza scene:
For Traditional Pies and Boston Flavor: Santarpio’s Pizza
Santarpio’s Pizza (111 Chelsea St.) is located in East Boston, affectionately known as Eastie, and has been slinging crisp-crust pizza since 1903. In true Boston spirit, the restaurant isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s brimming with Boston accents and attitudes but also incredible pizzas and house-barbecued sausages and lamb. The pizzas have a satisfying crunch and tremendous flavor, and locals know the crust only gets better when you request it “well done.” The toppings are not fancy, but they include simple, Old-World classics like garlic, onions, or pepperoni.
For Brick-Oven Perfection: Regina Pizzeria
Regina Pizzeria is not to be overshadowed, though, especially the original North End location (11 1/2 Thatcher St.). Regina’s opened in 1926, when Italian immigrants were starting to establish their presence in the area. Its founders brought their traditional brick ovens over from the old country. These ovens fire each pie until it has a chewy crust rich with flavor; the pizzas are also piled with tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and satisfying toppings. Imported meats and fresh veggies are in supply at Regina’s multiple restaurants, ensuring every person in your party gets exactly what they want. Lines can get long at the original location, but the experience is well worth it.
For a Simple Slice: Ernesto’s Pizza
The North End is also home to Ernesto’s Pizza (69 Salem St.). Since 1984, Ernesto’s has embraced the classic tradition of pizza, hand-making its dough and sauce. Its gigantic slices—cut from 18-inch pies—are delightfully chewy, with a clean-pure tasting crust and freshly grated cheese. Everything on these pies melds in harmony, making it the best vehicle for my favorite topping, spicy and tangy banana peppers.
For a Modern 'Za: Otto
Of course, no roundup of pizza spots in Boston would be complete without mentioning Otto. Otto has embraced the “new” style of pizza that emphasizes fancier toppings adorning a thin crust. Native to Portland, Maine, Otto has taken the Boston area by storm, opening three locations in just a couple of years. Its crunchy crust (also available in a gluten-free version) is the backdrop for red sauce or no sauce at all, assorted meat and vegetarian toppings, and melted goat’s-milk or cow’s-milk cheese. My favorite combination here is butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and cranberry, which creates an unconventional masterpiece of sweet, tangy, creamy, and acidic flavors. Otto specializes in creating topping combinations such as these, and each is done to perfection.
Photos by Fiona Coxe

This week is all about funk bands, boats, and beer. Check out the live music and free boat rides in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and drop in to an epic beer festival showcasing New England’s best craft brewers. Don’t forget to check Groupon first for more things to do in Boston.
The Berklee Navy Yard Concerts Presents Charlie the Most
Thursday, July 17, at 6 p.m. | Charlestown Navy Yard
Mid-July is the perfect time to get out by the riverfront—especially when it happens to be Charlestown Week. A waterside performance by 10-person funk band Charlie the Most continues the weeklong celebration. Be sure to bring your own chair or blanket and get there earlier to snag primo seats. (Charlestown Navy Yard, 1 First Avenue; free)
Whaleboat Rowing from Courageous Sailing
Friday, July 18–Monday, July 24 | Charlestown Navy Yard
There will be plenty of family-friendly activities during Charlestown Week, but this one might just be the coolest. Thanks to Courageous Sailing, visitors will have the chance to board a 30-foot whaleboat and try their hand at rowing. Experts will be on hand for demonstrations and educational talks. Courageous Sailing is also sponsoring free 30-minute sails around Boston Harbor. (Pier 4 at Charlestown Navy Yard, 1 First Avenue; free)
Drink Craft Beer Summerfest
Friday, July 18–Saturday, July 19 | Boston Common
Drink Craft Beer, a 9-year-old beer blog, is celebrating New England’s hottest summer brews during this two-day festival. Visitors will have the chance to try more than 90 beers from 25 local craft brewers. Among the samples will be beers brewed specifically for this event, so stop by early to snag these exclusive sips. (Space 57 at the Revere Hotel, 200 Stuart St.; $50; buy tickets here)

Summer’s heating up, and we’ve got a few ways to cool off. Try a free museum night, a beer- and animal-themed fundraiser, and—of course—ice cream. Or check Groupon for more fun things to do in Boston.
Neighborhood Nights at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Fenway-Kenmore | Thursday, July 10, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
The eclectic art museum opens its doors for the first of three summer evenings of live music, storytelling, and family-friendly activities (additional events are scheduled for July 24 and August 7). Zili Misik will deliver upbeat Haitian, Brazilian, and West African tunes, while guest artist Susan Thompson displays her nature-inspired works and kids create their own graphic stories with help from illustrator Raúl the Third. (25 Evans Way; free)
Party for the Animals Fundraiser
Cambridge | Friday, July 11, 8 p.m. to midnight
Now might be a good time to test-drive this year’s Halloween ensemble. This fundraiser for the Animal Rescue League of Boston features an animal-themed costume contest, including awards for Best Fictional Animal and Best Animal Meme. Expect plenty of lolcats, doge jokes, and face painting from “practically professional face painters.” The 21-and-over evening will also include a cash bar and a performance by the mysterious Keytar Bear. (Workbar, 45 Prospect St., Cambridge; $20+; buy tickets here)
WGBH Ice Cream Fun Fest
Brighton | Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Is there anything better for combating the summer heat than a big scoop of ice cream? How about dozens of scoops from the likes of Ben & Jerry’s, Friendly’s, J.P. Licks, and many more? Try as many flavors as you like at the WGBH-hosted festival, which includes kid-friendly games, rides, and performers. (WGBH Studios, 1 Guest St.; $10+; buy tickets here)
Photo by Siena Scarff, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum